Decisions, options loom for American Legion

Tuesday

Waynesboro American Legion post members typically make decisions on purchasing major appliances or approvals on the thousands of dollars it donates annually.

The potential vote that currently looms large is a decision the membership never thought they would have to make.

"Nobody expected this to happen," said Legion Post Commander Bill Hoover as he referenced the fire that destroyed the club on Dec. 28.

Hoover, a retired union pipe fitter from Boston, Mass., now leads more than 900 post members that will eventually decide the next location for the Legion.

A meeting held last week was supposed to include an unofficial vote on whether post members wanted to rebuild at the former 63 E. Main St. location or seek another spot. That vote was tabled as members expressed the need for more information before making a decision.

"Nobody here has ever had to vote on anything like this before. I respect what the members want and we will work for them," Hoover said.

In January, a building committee comprised of post members was formed. The group was tasked with reviewing proposals and choosing specifications of the future building.

Hoover said that rebuilding on the old site is still a viable option, but parking is the main concern.

Meanwhile, there are several proposals on the table in an attempt to lure the Legion. The people behind those plans have supplied The Record Herald with information.

Former HMW Enterprises

The former HMW Enterprises located at 207 N. Franklin St. was purchased by the Franklin County Area Development Corporation for $650,000 in October of 2016.

The 18,000 square-foot facility contains both office and industrial space along with a parking lot that can accommodate 51 vehicles as well as off-street parking.

"This location would give the Legion an open building with a blank canvas that could put them back in operation fairly quickly," said L. Michael Ross, president of the FCADC.

Currently, the property is zoned industrial and would have to be rezoned to either industrial/commercial or general commercial before accommodating the Legion. The property can also be granted a variance if a request was approved by the borough's zoning hearing board.

"Our goal is to make sure that they (Legion members) make the most informed decision possible with the right information," said Ross. "We think it's a great opportunity for the American Legion."

Former Schier's Furniture

Representatives of Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc. and Harry Morningstar Jr. have teamed up in an effort to keep the American Legion in downtown Waynesboro.

"The Legion has been and will continue to be a successful business and we want successful businesses downtown. The foot traffic and the services they provide will bring people downtown," said Bill Kohler, director of economic development for Mainstreet Waynesboro.

Don Smith, president of Mainstreet Waynesboro, has drawn up architectural renderings of the former Schier's Furniture Market at 15 Schier's Way that would include a ballroom and office space.

Despite those renovation plans, the group is aware that parking is top of mind for Legion officials.

Morningstar said that upon completing a parking study over a two-week span, "rarely did we find less than 100 available spots during morning, afternoon and night."

"We observed approximately 200 spaces," Morningstar added.

A redesign of the nearby Trinity Church parking lot as well as the potential to purchase an adjoining property for an additional 50 to 60 spots could resolve parking challenges, according to Morningstar.

"Between a redesign of a parking lot and other parking that is available, we feel that we came up with as many additional spots as the Legion has had for the last 100 years," Morningstar said.

Smith added, "With the potential expansion that is around this site, it could potentially be the best Legion in the country if planned properly."

Legions officials have not seen a presentation of the Schier's Furniture property, according to Hoover.

353 S. Potomac St.

The legion has conducted business operations out of a temporary office at 353 S. Potomac St. owned by local real estate developer Ronnie Martin since December.

Martin has assisted Legion officials with potential opportunities including the South Potomac Street location.

Hoover said two buildings on the property would come into play in order to accommodate the Legion.

If the Legion does relocate it leaves a vacant lot for sale. Waynesboro Borough officials have expressed interest in acquiring the lot.

The borough would be willing to pay fair market value to the Legion to acquire the property.

"If the opportunity presents itself to the borough we would be interested in purchasing the property for a couple of reasons," Waynesboro Borough Manager Jason Stains said. "In the short-term it would provide additional parking spaces for the downtown, but longterm we need to look towards possible expansion of our municipality facility as our police department is working in inadequate facilities in terms of design and space. We have been longtime neighbors with the Legion and if they rebuild on their current site we will welcome them back."

Contact Dustin Haluska at dhaluska@therecordherald.com, 717-762-2151 or on Twitter: @dhaluska

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